Tunisian Protests

Economic complaints have given rise to a rare wave of protests in Tunisia:

"As tensions over unemployment and poor living conditions flare in Tunisia, president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali has warned in a national television broadcast that protests are unacceptable and will have a negative impact on the economy...

"Earlier on Tuesday, security forces blocked an anti-government rally in the town of Gafsa, sources told Al Jazeera.

"The protest, organised by the Tunisian federation of labour unions, was one of a number of reported public demonstrations across the country. The public defiance marks a rare display of a popular anger against Ben Ali, who has been in power for 23years...

"The latest protest followed the deadly shooting by police of a jobless graduate in Bouziane, south of Tunis, last Friday.

"Clashes broke out earlier this month in the town of Sidi Bouzid after a man committed suicide in an apparent protest against high unemployment."

"A Tunisian Girl" is posting updates.